Despite multiple attempts, Zverev hardly closed the gap on No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who has barred from tennis competition since February.

World number two Alexander Zverev was taken to the limit by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a gripping Madrid Open third round battle on Sunday

After the premature elimination against Matteo Berrettini in Monte Carlo, the world number 2 won in Munich in front of his home fans and overtook Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP rankings. The Hamburg ace has a real chance to further extend his lead over the young Spaniard, who had to miss the Mutua Madrid Open due to an adductor injury in his right leg.